Photoperiod and Non-Neuronal Brain Cells

大脑及其细胞在响应内部环境和动物经历而改变的能力上是独一无二的。这种适应能力可以在分子、细胞和行为水平上得到证明。大脑中最具可塑性的细胞之一甚至不是神经细胞，而是外周来源的肥大细胞。肥大细胞和神经胶质成分为神经细胞的功能提供了丰富的环境。然而，人们对大脑肥大细胞的功能和解剖结构知之甚少。努涅斯博士正在评估白昼长度（一种强烈的环境暗示）改变大脑肥大细胞解剖结构及其中枢神经系统位置的能力。这些研究为肥大细胞对适应性行为和其他神经化学变化的影响的研究奠定了基础。这些研究将为环境与大脑功能之间的相互作用提供重要的基础信息。这些信息将用于进一步了解环境因素如何增加或减少野生或圈养物种的生存能力。

Nunez 9514374 The brain and its cells are unique in their ability to change in response to their internal surroundings and the animal's experiences. This ability to adapt can be demonstrated at the molecular, cellular and behavioral levels. One of the most plastic cells in the brain are not even nerve cells, but are peripherally derived mast cells. The mast cells and glial elements provide an enriched environment in which the nerve cells function. However, much is unknown about the mast cells in brain especially their function and anatomy. Dr. Nunez is assessing the ability of daylength, a strong environmental cue, to alter the anatomy of brain mast cells and their central nervous system location. These investigations lay the foundation for studies on the influence of mast cells on adaptive behaviors and other neurochemical changes. These investigations will provide significant basic information about the interplay between the environment and brain function. This information will then be used to further understand the how environmental factors increase or decrease species survivability in the wild or captivity.